ON THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN.
FORTY-SEVENTH SERMON.
ON THE JOY THAT THE ELECT SHALL HAVE IN HEAVEN OUTSIDE OF GOD.
Subject.
The souls of the elect shall be filled with joy, even from what they shall possess outside of God.—Preached on the feast of the Apostles SS. Philip and James.
Text.
Non turbetur cor vestrum; in domo Patris mei mansiones multæ sunt.—John xiv. 1, 2.
“Let not your heart be troubled; in My Father’s house there are many mansions.”
Introduction.
And why, O Lord! should we not be troubled? How could we feel glad or cheerful in this sorrowful vale of tears, in the midst of dangers and calamities, and at such a distance from our eternal country, for which we must constantly sigh and yearn? Yes, says Our Lord; even here you must put away all sadness out of your hearts; you, I mean, My faithful servants, who always try to do My Father’s will: “Let not your heart be troubled;” for remember what joy is prepared for you after this short life. “In My Father’s house there are many mansions,” and now I am going there to prepare a place for you. Have patience only for a little while: “I will come again, and will take you to Myself, that where I am you also may be,” namely, in the joys of heaven. With the hope and expectation of this future happiness you can rejoice even while you are in
